'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51